Tahir Bhat Banhali CNI

As the 38-day Amarnath Yatra kicks off, Kashmir Police has issued a strong advisory for all pilgrims: travel only in the designated convoys from official base camps Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal, and Nunwan.

The advisory comes just weeks after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. With security on high alert, authorities are taking every step to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees trekking to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir.

In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police stated: “All pilgrims are advised to stick to designated convoys only. Those arriving early should come just ahead of their scheduled yatra date.”

To support the pilgrimage, Ramban district has ramped up its medical infrastructure. A total of 17 health camps have been set up at langar spots and lodgement centres along the route. Mini hospitals have also been created at key locations like Yatri Niwas Chanderkot and Lambhar Ground, complete with four-bed indoor facilities, ECG units, labs, and cardiac monitors.

Ambulances have been strategically placed at key points, with backups ready for emergencies, ensuring rapid response if needed.

The pilgrimage, which began on July 2, will run until August 9. Pilgrims will follow two routes — the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag, and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal. The first group of yatris has already left from the Jammu base camp.

With memories of recent violence still fresh, this year’s yatra is under a massive security and health safety net and authorities are urging full cooperation from devotees for a safe and smooth journey.